Knowing what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to wearing Invisalign can make a difference. Follow the simple guidelines to help contribute to an easier Invisalign journey with an ideal outcome.
Do’s of Invisalign Treatment
#1 Wear Time
Invisalign aligners will work if you wear them. For ideal effectiveness, aligners should be worn at least 22 hours per day. This leaves time during the day for them to be taken out for meals and cleaning your teeth. Any less than 22 hours/day can reduce the aligner’s effectiveness and extend your treatment time.
#2 Brush and Floss Before Wearing Invisalign
Regular brushing and flossing helps keep your teeth clean and healthy. It’s important to have clean teeth before inserting your aligners or else food becomes held in place on your teeth for a long period of time. The best solution is brushing and flossing your teeth in the morning and at night before inserting your aligners.
#3 Clean Your Aligners
Having clean Invisalign aligners helps keep them translucent for ideal aesthetics. Clean your Invisalign with a soft toothbrush and water rather than toothpaste, as it is too abrasive for the thin plastic.
#4 Protect Aligners
Whenever you remove your aligners to eat make sure you place them in their protective case. Your pets will be interested in the smell of your Invisalign and may damage them. If you are eating at a restaurant and place them in a napkin, they could get lost when someone cleans the table. Your orthodontist will provide a small protective case to safeguard your aligners.
#5 Drink Water
Only drink water when wearing your aligners. Sipping coffee with your aligners in can stain them making them unaesthetic. Drinking soft drinks or juice with your aligners in can cause demineralization of your teeth due to sugary liquid pooling in your aligners and surrounding your teeth. It is best to remove your aligners to drink anything that isn’t water.
#6 Snack Responsibly
If you remove your aligners to have a snack, make sure you place them in their case for protection. When you’re ready to put them back in it is a good idea to clean your teeth with a toothbrush. If you don’t have a toothbrush, rinsing with water can help as well.
—
Don’ts of Invisalign Treatment
#1 Don’t Forget Your Aligners
Remember that 22 hours/day wear is necessary for the fastest and most effective treatment. If you remove your aligners to eat or clean make sure to remember to place them back in. When going to school or work, make sure to bring your aligners with you. If you go on a trip, make sure to bring your next aligner if you have to switch to the next tray when you are away from home.
#2 Don’t Eat Any Food While Wearing Aligners
Food can damage the aligners and compromise their effectiveness. It can also make good hygiene more difficult since the aligners can retain food. Lastly, food can stain your aligners making them less aesthetic.
#3 Don’t Damage Your Aligners
Your orthodontist and their team will show you how to insert and remove your aligners to avoid damaging them. When removing your aligners, disengage them from the inside of the back teeth to avoid damage. If you do it differently, you risk damaging your aligners and reducing their effectiveness.
This list should help you make the most out of your Invisalign/clear aligner treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist for more information if you have any questions!
